Performance characteristics of materials key terms

Tensile strength

The maximum amount of tensile (stretching) stress that a material can withstand before failure.

Opacity

The measure of how much light is prevented from passing through a material, important for printing applications.

Tensile strength

The resistance of a material to breaking under tension.

Rigidity

The ability of a material to maintain its shape and resist deformation.

Scoring

The process of creating a crease in paper or board to facilitate folding.

Recyclability

The ability of a material to be processed and reused in the production of new products.

Treated paper

Paper that has been coated or treated to enhance its properties for specific applications, such as photographic printing.

Duplex card

A type of card made from two layers of paper, often used for food packaging due to its lightweight and printable surface.

Material Efficiency

The optimal use of materials in design and manufacturing to minimize waste and cost.

Container Net Design

The process of creating a 2D representation of a container's surfaces to facilitate efficient cutting and assembly.

Recyclability

The ability of a material to be collected, processed, and reused in the production of new products.

Biodegradability

The capacity of a material to decompose naturally through the action of living organisms.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of repeating structural units (monomers), typically connected by covalent chemical bonds.

Thermoplastic

A type of polymer that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling.

Thermoplastic

A type of polymer that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling.

Barrier Properties

The ability of a material to resist the permeation of gases, liquids, or other substances.

Translucency

The property of a material that allows light to pass through but not detailed shapes.

Flexibility

The ability of a material to bend without breaking.

Biodegradable

Materials that can be broken down by natural processes, reducing environmental impact.

Moisture resistance

The ability of a material to resist the penetration of water, crucial for packaging applications.

Natural Timber

Wood that is sourced directly from trees and retains its natural characteristics.

Manufactured Boards

Engineered wood products made from wood fibers or particles bonded together, such as MDF and plywood.

Shrinkage

Shrinkage refers to the reduction in size of wood as it loses moisture, which can affect its dimensions and fit in applications.

Toxicity

Toxicity in wood refers to the presence of harmful chemicals or compounds that can pose health risks during processing or use.

Toughness

The ability of a material to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracturing.

Stiffness

The resistance of a material to deformation under load, often measured by its modulus of elasticity.

Stock Form

The shape or configuration in which a material is supplied, such as sheet, bar, or tube.

Structural Beam

A large, strong piece of material used to support loads in construction, such as I beams or H beams.

Tensile Strength

The maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before failing.

Corrosion Resistance

The ability of a material to withstand degradation due to chemical reactions with its environment.